8251 Private
2nd Battalion, K.O.S.B., 13th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division
Age: 32
Date of death: 18 November 1914
Buried: Menin Gate, Panel 22
Family history: Son of Andrew Shorthouse. Originally a resident of Maddiston he was the husband of Elizabeth Shorthouse, 122 Main Street, Bishopbriggs. He served as 'Shorthouse' although his real name was Anderson.
The action that led to his death
The Battalion was in the line at Hooge. The War Diary entry indicates that they had been subjected to heavy shell fire since 8am from Trench Mortars.
(Linesman Map)
The War Diary describes the effect the weapon had on the men and the destructive effect: ‘Men are literally blown into several pieces if it lands near them.’ The trench that was occupied by ‘C’ Coy was very badly ‘knocked about’ & ‘C’ Coy had to be withdrawn 50 yards back into the wood and this avoided the Mortar. Battalion casualties were 5 dead and 15 wounded.
War Diary entry for 18 November 1914:
Aliases
Over 6,000 British and Commonwealth men died under an assumed name. There are numerous reasons for men using aliases, such as re-enlisting after a previous period in the army, wishing to enlist while under age (or over-age), previous criminal convictions needing to be hidden, running away from a failed marriage. There will of course be many other reasons.
Medals Awarded
1914 Sar with Clasp, British War Medal, Victory Medal
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